Every culture has specific set of traditions that are carefully observed and are diligently passed on from one generation to the other. This can be clearly reflected in the way people go through life and how they conduct special events and ceremonies. In the case of the ancient Greek wedding traditions, most of these rituals are still openly observed even up to this day and age. There are five most important Greek wedding traditions that are quite popular and distinct as to how other cultures celebrate the sacred union between two couples as man and wife.

Dowry

At this age, the very idea of a dowry may seem outmoded and obsolete, but in Greek wedding traditions it is still very much an important part of their rich culture. Mother who have daughter would usually spend years saving up a large assortment of things from towels to sheets and any other household materials in time for her daughter’s future marriage. While other cultures would require money as dowries, in ancient Greek weddings, a dowry is mainly required to help the prospective bride start setting up her very own household.

Wedding Date

In other parts of the world, couples can freely choose whatever date they wish to marry. However, this is simply not the case in Greek weddings. Their tradition generally restricts them to some specific dates in a year as part of their Christian observances, where some dates in the calendar are considered holy.

Rings

The engagement rings also serves, as the couple’s wedding rings are required to be blessed twice. Upon the announcement of the couple’s engagement, the priest would bless the rings and the couple will wear them on the left hand up until the wedding. During the wedding ceremony, the priest will again bless the rings and the groom and bride can then switch their rings from their left hand to the right.

Diamonds are also the most popular choice since according to Greek wedding traditions, it is regarded to be teardrops of their Gods, and is believed to wonderfully reflect the flames of love.

Crown

It is part of the Greek wedding ceremony to adorn the heads of the couple with crowns that are connected using a single ribbon strand. This normally symbolizes the union of the two individuals as couples and that both man and wife share equal rule in their new household.

Party Favors

If you are to attend a Greek wedding, you will probably receive candied almond as party favors that are even handed out right after the wedding ceremony itself. These almonds are covered with a cloth where guests can expect them to receive in odd numbers like all other delicacies served in the reception.

All throughout the wedding ceremony, a bride can either carry a small lump of sugar that would symbolize a sweet life ahead, or ivy that is believed to be the symbol of timeless love.

If you are given the opportunity to attend a Greek wedding, you are definitely in for a rare treat. This is mainly because you will definitely enjoy rich ceremonial rites as well as the Greek’s flair for conducting lively receptions that makes the event an important occasion that shouldn’t be missed. These festive receptions are expected to last all through the night that is peppered with a lot of feasts, dances, songs and drinking. An of course, guests are expected to participate in the famous circle dance that is a customary ritual in almost all-important Greek occasions.

So before you attend a Greek wedding or even plan a Grecian-inspired one, its only fitting that you somehow have an understanding on the symbolic meanings of the rituals that are often performed. This will ensure a better appreciation for their traditions and greater respect for the Greek culture.